Among our more modest kitchen upgrades, our BoxMakers renovation in Bucklands Beach saw the addition of several cabinets and drawers. These included new internals such as hinges and runners, to improve the overall look and operation of the kitchen.
New Centre Cabinetry
The bulk of our work involved the centre cabinet collection, which required more room to accommodate a fridge, as well as new appliances. BoxMakers carefully designed a new set of cabinets around the central need of having fridge housing. This resulted in a distinct three-stage layout, featuring (from left to right) the appliance column, refrigerator, and pantry.
Fresh Panels & Appliances
Our panel selection came in Quarter Thorndon Cream from Prime Panels: a slick melamine on MDF combination that serves as a fitting partner for the fridge’s glossy cool white. Starting from the left, the unit features a dual-drawer layout with an overhead cabinet. The oven was also replaced, which came in Bosch’s 8 Series.
Central to the unit is the fridge housing, which offers large enough dimensions to accommodate a variety of modern refrigerators. Overhead is a horizontal cubby, perfect for storing kitchen rolls and coffee capsules.
Premium Pantry Unit Hardware
On the right is where the bulk of the cabinetry rests. Featuring a double door pantry with Häfele hinges and 4 tiers of shelving, it offers accommodations for all sorts of groceries and sundries. Below rests a triple assortment of drawers, carefully put together with Häfele’s Luxe handles. Their drawer system also features for silky smooth handling and a flush, handleless exterior. This new cabinet unit interacts exceptionally well under the existing skylight. It soaks in natural light to make rummaging a breeze.
BoxMakers are confident that this new unit provides excellent appliance accommodations without sacrificing storage space, thanks to our efficient design and smart use of internal hardware.
For our very special homes in Mt Albert, BoxMakers worked hard to create specially tailored, form-fitting, high-performance kitchens. Our work in Lot 2 was aimed at answering a typical family’s requirements in a sleek and functional solution.
The layout took the form of a slim L-shaped design with an island. This arrangement allowed for practical intensive cooking sessions with all major working areas mere steps away from each other. This also gives extra room for family convening and dining. We built the main kitchen area with two distinct depths. The outer cabinetry is distinguished by its Melteca Storm Pearl finish, which blends the lines between brown and dark blue, and inner cabinetry came in simple white melamine. We recessed the white overhead the bench, matching the vein-streaked splashback and icy white benchtop.
Modern minimalism is the name of the game for kitchen style. Featuring handleless cabinets and stainless-steel fixtures, this kitchen prides itself on smooth lines and accessible function. This was achievable thanks to Fit NZ’s push-to-open mechanisms and Häfele’s Luxe hidden handles. Every cabinet from the VIBO bottle organiser, to the corner cabinet and Tanova pull-out bin offered handleless operation.
With numerous LEDs, power points, and stainless-steel appliances, this modern and effective kitchen sports a stylish triple-colour combo. The suspended pendant light adds further aesthetic character with its unique double helix design. Its intertwining nature provides both ambient and local lighting.
This kitchen offers the full experience while presenting it in a sleek, minimalist package, combining all with instantaneous access to the dining and living rooms.
In many New Zealand homes, the kitchen island has become far more than a prep surface. It’s where meals begin, conversations happen, laptops open, and guests naturally gather. A well-designed island can dramatically improve how your kitchen functions while also becoming a strong visual centrepiece.
If you’re planning a new kitchen or renovation, here are some kitchen island design ideas that balance style, practicality, and the way Kiwis really live.
1. Waterfall Edge Islands
A waterfall edge island allows the benchtop material to flow seamlessly down the sides of the island to the floor. This creates a clean, sculptural look and is one of the most popular ways to showcase engineered stone, marble-look surfaces, or natural stone.
Beyond aesthetics, waterfall edges add a sense of cohesion and durability, protecting cabinetry from wear while elevating the overall feel of the kitchen.
2. Curved Edge Islands
Curved edges are becoming increasingly popular in modern NZ kitchens. By softening corners, curved islands introduce elegance and visual flow while also reducing sharp edges that can be easy to bump into in busy households.
This design is particularly well-suited to smaller kitchens or family homes, where safety, movement, and comfort matter just as much as style.
3. Split-Level Kitchen Islands
A split-level island creates a clear distinction between cooking and eating zones. One level can hide food prep and appliances, while the other offers a dedicated space for dining or entertaining.
This layout also opens up opportunities to mix materials, colours, or finishes — adding visual interest while keeping the kitchen organised and functional.
4. Islands with Open Shelving
Open shelving built into an island offers practical storage while keeping frequently used items within easy reach. It’s also a great way to display ceramics, cookbooks, or decorative pieces.
For homeowners wanting both beauty and protection, glass-fronted shelving with integrated LED lighting can highlight treasured items while preventing dust and accidental damage.
5. Integrated Power Outlets
Modern kitchen islands often double as workstations. Integrated power outlets allow you to use appliances like mixers or blenders directly on the island, or to charge laptops and devices without trailing cords across the room.
Because this feature requires careful electrical planning, it’s best discussed early in the design stage to ensure outlets are positioned discreetly and safely.
6. Pull-Out Trash and Recycling
Pull-out bins have become a kitchen essential. Tucked neatly inside the island, they keep waste and recycling out of sight, reduce odours, and help maintain a clean, streamlined look.
With many affordable and customisable options available, this is a small design choice that makes a big difference in day-to-day kitchen use.
7. Fluted Island Bases
Fluted detailing adds texture, rhythm, and architectural interest to an island’s base cabinetry. It introduces a tactile, organic element that contrasts beautifully with smooth benchtop surfaces.
This detail works particularly well in contemporary kitchens that want warmth without visual clutter.
8. Kitchen Island with Built-In Banquette
A kitchen island with a built-in banquette introduces a more relaxed and family-friendly way to dine. Instead of raised bar stools, a lowered seating area paired with a small table creates a cosy breakfast nook that’s ideal for everyday meals, kids’ homework, or casual coffee moments.
This approach works especially well in open-plan homes, softening the kitchen’s look and helping it feel more connected to living and dining spaces.
9. Double Island Kitchens
For larger homes, a double island layout takes kitchen design to the next level. One island can serve as a social or seating hub, while the second remains dedicated to food prep and storage.
This layout improves workflow, reduces congestion, and creates a highly functional space for entertaining and family life.
10. Islands with Pull-Out Tables
A pull-out table integrated into the island is a smart solution for flexible living. It provides extra dining or prep space when needed, then neatly tucks away to keep the kitchen open and uncluttered.
This option is ideal for homes that want adaptability without committing to a large, permanent island footprint.
The best kitchen island designs respond to how you live — not just how the space looks. Whether it’s subtle curves, smart storage, or multifunctional features, thoughtful island design can transform your kitchen into a space that works harder and feels better every day.
At BoxMakers, we design and build custom kitchens that balance craftsmanship, functionality, and timeless design — tailored for New Zealand homes.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, we’d love to help you explore the right island design for your space.
As part of a larger home renovation, this special Glenfield residence called for a kitchen to match. Citing aging hardware with mismatched appliances for their needs, the owner was keen to see a full BoxMakers makeover.
Surrounded by Features
Being the home’s pièce de resistance, special attention was paid to crafting this brilliant modern kitchen. Sporting a G-shape layout, this kitchen offers nearly 360 degrees of functionality, with an incredible amount of modern hardware and cabinetry, all with a perfectly positioned entry point for convenient access to the rest of the home.
The colours and themes revolved around the existing timber ceiling, which offered rich orange hues. To complement this, we chose a light colour palette across the board. The MDF cabinetry proudly features a light and breezy combination of Spanish White Velvet and Bleached Maple Woodgrain finishes from Prime Panels. We collaborated with Stone Space for a beautiful benchtop cut of Calacatta Bianco engineered stone, swimming with delicate flashes of gold and grey. When sunlight hits the room, the kitchen is positively glowing!
Advanced Appliances
New appliances were a core component of this upgrade. With ambitious levels of cooking in mind, we installed a 500-Series Induction Cooktop from Haier and FOTILE’s EMG-Series rangehood. Both are incredibly capable choices with a sleek, modern design chosen for their powerful ability to tackle the most complex of meals. Likewise, the Omison sink, Domenic Tap, FOTILE oven, and Bosch dishwasher were all versatile options. It even features an InSinkErator food disposal system, completing this comprehensive suite of fixtures and appliances.
Brilliant New Hardware
Behind the panels, you can find an abundance of kitchen hardware. Fit’s Tanova hidden bins and Duplo corner unit go hand in hand with Häfele’s pull-out set. Combined with BoxMakers’ abundantly positioned cabinets, the owner would want for nothing when it comes to storage space. Fleshed out with stunning LEDs, handles, and Häfele’s silky smooth drawer systems, every aspect of this kitchen is made for the modern power user.
Tucked away in Tawharanui Peninsula, this reclusive yet beautiful home called upon BoxMakers for a wardrobe, mini pantry, and bathroom vanity. Crafted primarily for guest use, these renovations were made to add both function and cosmetic coherence. Being within a luxury home, BoxMakers took great care to not only uphold, but elevate its high-class standards.
A Bold and Natural Kitchenette
The unique onyx theme stemmed from both the owner’s preference, as well as the surrounding textures. Most notable is the vertical fluting on the face panels, which was inspired by the suite’s woodwork. For this, BoxMakers used Dezignatek’s Prague series of Thermoform, finished in Black Bark. The deep, tactile ridges bring forth a unique modern design, especially when combined with its trapezoidal handles fromMardeco’s 3210 range. The Brushed Nickel finish adds a distinctive steely touch.
Above, the benchtop marks the return of UniQuartz’s Brown Forest finish, an ideal pairing for dark coloured cabinetry. Stealthily streaked with earthy veins, it effortlessly adds both character and nuance to this quaint kitchenette. The overhead cabinets operate on a handleless design and offer plenty of storage space while below, a mini bar is perfectly situated for a refreshing summer drink. Combined, it encourages visitors to feel like more than just a guest.
Featureful Sliding Wardrobe
In the guest bedroom, BoxMakers installed a full-fledged wardrobe unit featuring a complete suite of drawers, shelves, and rods, as well as a full height mirror. Finished in Melteca’s Borders Oak Organic, this wardrobe fits perfectly with the bedroom’s fluted wall panel. We aimed to maximise smoothness and operability with Enko’s Anthracite-finished Slimbox drawer system. Even the wardrobe rails came in black, sourced from SD Aluminium.
A Tough, yet Elegant Vanity
Also part of our renovation work was the bathroom vanity, which featured the same Dezignatek fluted panels and Mardeco handles. Unique to the bathroom was the carcass material, which sported a mixed core plywood substrate for improved strength and weight support. This kept the design language consistent while also being highly performant.
This renovation appears sleek and modern at a distance, but only upon closer inspection will you find the natural elements intertwined within; a hidden gem, much like the residence as a whole. Combined with sprawling views of Kawau Bay, every guest is sure get the full luxury experience.
Often notorious for being the most expensive amongst interior work, pricing a kitchen renovation can be a scary process, especially if your ambition outpaces your budget. This was the case for many decades, where it was only possible to get high-end looks with high-end spending – but no longer. Getting a film-worthy kitchen is more viable than ever.
Attaining a pricey-looking kitchen for cheap is all about distributing your budget. For a typical kitchen, you should put an emphasis on visuals. Walk through your kitchen as though it were an open home – what do you first see? The elements that take up the most visual real estate are the cabinetry and benchtop, then the lighting and splashback. A premium-looking kitchen revolves around aesthetic investment. This also works incredibly well for boosting your home value.
Here are some tips for the most essential parts of a kitchen:
Benchtop
Getting the look and feel of genuine imported Italian marble used to be a costly endeavour. With engineered stone, you get superior durability and usability while accurately replicating the mesmerising tones and intricate weaves of Calacatta or Statuario – all for a fraction of the price.
Cabinetry
Consistence and modernity are key to making your cabinets punch above their weight class. MDF is a reliable core material, and can support an incredible range of surfaces from realistic veneers to glossy laminates. It can be an affordable combination for shiny cabinets in your colour of choice.
Lighting
Often overlooked as an optional kitchen accessory, good lighting can practically transform your kitchen. Pendant lights, under-cabinet lights, and toe-kick lights can seriously give the impression of a premium kitchen while adding practicality. Even a handful of select, budget-friendly options can make a big difference.
Splashback
While acrylic splashbacks may be the most affordable, they may not pass the eye test when under scrutiny. Tile splashbacks provide a genuine look and feel with plenty of affordable options. Both offer high variety in terms of looks but tiles will hold up better over time.
Layout
The flow of a kitchen is essential to a “luxury” feel. Openness is king in the modern landscape. Layout changes, however, can be an unnecessary expense as it requires more work in design and service connections. You should consider a layout change if your kitchen feels obstructed. A good kitchen should never feel difficult to enter.
Hardware
Complete your kitchen with finishing touches. Among kitchen hardware, handles are the most visually prominent. They can be subtle, eye-catching, or anything in between – even budget handles offer premium aesthetics nowadays. Tactilely, soft-close mechanism can make cabinet operation feel premium, and in-cabinet storage solutions provide practical packing – their value is seen through daily use.
Appliances
Pick mid-range appliances from known brands. Don’t be upsold on rarely-used features offered by their flagship range. Realistically, their mid-tier offerings have a more than ample feature set for day-to-day use.
Luxury doesn’t have to be replicated through cost alone. Through careful selection and thoughtful planning, you can achieve the look of kitchens many times your budget while still having incredible performance.
As the crown jewel of your kitchen, the benchtop doubles as both your aesthetic and functional centre. Subject to daily use, your kitchen’s operation revolves around your benchtop, whether it’s for food prep, storage, or dining. You’ll want to maintain of your benchtop, and it all starts with choosing the right care routine for your material. In doing so, here is a detailed guide for 4 different benchtop materials:
Natural Stone
An expensive, natural, and highly unique choice, genuine stone is chosen mainly for its one-of-a-kind patterns and premium aesthetics. While it may shine for looks and individuality, it is not an easy material to maintain. Natural stone’s porous nature means that without a seal, it can trap moisture and bacteria. Liquids that seep in can also alter its appearance by causing stains.
The most important aspect of maintaining natural stone’s sheen and integrity is to have it sealed regularly, typically once every 2 years for granite, and more often for lighter-toned materials (as they are typically more porous). This can be prolonged by maintaining the seal itself during cleaning. Using gentle, pH-neutral cleaners will stop it from breaking down. You’ll know the seal needs replacing if a drop of water seeps in or if it darkens the stone. Due to its unique aesthetics, physical repairs may not preserve the original look. Deep scratches will be more noticeable on natural stone as well, so avoid harsh objects. It is, however, remarkably heat-resistant.
Engineered Stone
Durable, non-porous, and moderately priced, engineered stone is a popular choice for kitchen benchtops. Its maintenance requirements are lower than natural stone, being easier to clean and perfectly uniform thanks to its composition of crushed quartz and resins – the latter being why it’s non-porous.
The resin binders fill the gaps and the slab is vacuum-compacted. It will be sufficient to clean the surface with mild soap and water. Spills can be wiped away without concern and scratches won’t compromise its integrity. While it’s highly durable, high levels of physical impact or heat can still damage the resin, so be sure to keep your hot pans away.
Laminate
Featuring even more aesthetic variety than engineered stone, laminate benchtops shine brightest for design diversity, affordability, and DIY-friendliness. Thicker offerings can mimic stone’s appearance at a much lower cost, though it certainly won’t mimic its physical properties. It’s key to know laminate’s composition: an engineered wood substrate with a surface layer of bonded resin, paper, and print. This makes it vulnerable to heat and sharp objects, so avoid placing those directly on the counter.
While laminate typically performs well against water, keeping it wiped down and dry can prevent rare cases of moisture-ingress, which can cause the material to swell or warp if there is an opening. Abrasive cleaning tools or agents can also damage the surface.
Timber
Timber benchtops are typically made of solid wood strips that have been bonded together and sealed. The core material is usually a hardwood and they’re known for their natural, warm appearances.
Similar to natural stone, its aesthetics depend on what is naturally available, and therefore is more limited. Another shared trait is their inherent porous nature, meaning regular sealing is required for continued use. To maintain it, apply an oil finish every 12 months and avoid harsh cleaners or chemicals. Instead, use soft cloths and warm water to clean it. Due to its similarities with laminate benchtops, they are not particularly heat or scratch resistant.
Each benchtop material has its strengths and weaknesses. As shown by natural stone (particularly marble), pricier doesn’t always mean more durable. Universally, all benchtops can benefit from gentle cleaning with warm water. Depending on the material, regular sealing can be a welcome protectional supplement or an essential layer for integrity preservation.
This recently completed Sandringham kitchen renovation transforms a compact second-storey space into a sleek, modern hub designed for both style and functionality. The homeowner’s vision called for a striking Kombu green and stainless steel colour palette, paired with an array of smart kitchen storage solutions, and BoxMakers delivered every detail with precision.
Packed with Storage Solution
Overlooking the scenic suburbs of Sandringham, this modern kitchen combines clever design with practical storage. The base cabinets feature a Kesseboehmer dual-level pull-out set and Tanova Simplex dual pull-out bins, keeping daily essentials organised and easily accessible. Häfele extrusion handles and drawer runners were selected for a clean, professional finish that complements the kitchen’s contemporary look.
A standout feature of this project is the custom fridge-side cabinet, designed to match the height of the fridge enclosure. This tall pantry unit includes a combination of open shelves, mid-size drawers, and large handled drawers — 2 of each — using Harn Ritma drawer kits supplied by Fit NZ. This design allows for multiple storage options in a convenient, central location, perfect for everyday kitchen use.
Colour palette & Design intentions
The kitchen’s Melteca Green Slate Pearl cabinetry is paired with a stainless-steel benchtop from Classic Stainless, measuring 25mm in thickness. Rare in contemporary kitchens, this professional-grade benchtop offers heat resistance, durability, and hygienic performance while adding a sleek, industrial touch that complements the two-tone design.
With its combination of bold colours, intelligent storage solutions, and professional-grade materials, this modern Sandringham kitchen balances aesthetic appeal with unmatched functionality. It’s a space designed for the ambitious household chef — stylish, efficient, and built to last.
For this kitchen renovation in Murray’s Bay, the end result is completely unrecognisable! Having inherited mediterranean influences, the home featured several indoor archways in both the kitchen and living spaces, but was long due for an overhaul.
Signs Calling For Renovation
The primary reason for renovation was aging hardware – in both style and performance. It was clear that the walls and floors were in rough shape from decades of use, and the open shelf cupboards were practically bursting at the seams. Citing clutter and wear, the client called for a modern, clean, and practical kitchen. One of the most notable changes required was the removal of the mediterranean brick-style arch that doubled as the kitchen entryway. This provided a seamless connection to the neighbouring room and allowed for an extra end of the kitchen bench to be usable.
Storage-oriented Kitchen
BoxMakers chose to keep the same U-shape layout as it was still a highly efficient way of arranging the kitchen and maximising space. This allowed for the easy connection of new appliances, such as the rangehood and cooktop. We noted that the original kitchen suffered most from a dearth of storage space, which shaped our decision to create a storage-oriented kitchen. This, of course, called for an abundant supply of cabinetry, including numerous floor-to-ceiling units.
The cabinets were MDF, finished in white melamine – a theme that was kept consistent across the entire kitchen. In place of the open cupboards, BoxMakers installed a full-height shelf unit covered by an elegant bifold door solution. Perpendicular to it, the fan favourite Kesseböhmer Tandem pantry unit made an appearance, right beside the fridge. Allowing for a gargantuan level of storage, the unit is complemented by additional cabinets and drawers.
Design and Materials
The benchtop was decided in close collaboration with the owner – Uniquartz’s Calacatta Grigio, a grey-based cut of engineered stone. It features a striking arrangement of stoney colours from marble white to dark slate. The patten is notable for resembling rippling waves against a temperamental backdrop of achromatic lightning – a particularly detailed piece evocative of the stormy Mediterranean Sea, which ties in perfectly with the home’s original style and the iconic Italian Carrara marble from which Calacatta Grigio is inspired by.
In keeping with the clean, modern aesthetic, Mardeco’s extrusion handles were selected, finished in simple white. These allowed for handleless designs across almost the entire kitchen, completing its unobtrusive appearance. Below the bench, Artia supplied the Italian-made Sige pull-out corner unit, while Häfele supplied the Kesseboehmer base pull-out set. For the appliances, the owner chose Asko, another European brand. This extended to the dishwasher, oven, and cooktop.
BoxMakers delivered on a highly capable modern kitchen that featured an incredible variety of storage solutions that is capable of sorting out any level of clutter. In close direction with the owner, we were able to install purpose-built drawers to contain what they wanted, where they wanted. While it may look like a simple modern kitchen at a glance, the renovation is packed with advanced storage solutions throughout, carefully interwoven with European influences.
Knowing where to invest your kitchen budget can be invaluable to both cost saving and maximising performance. Two of the most significant cost-affecting areas of a kitchen renovation are its layout and materials, but in most residential renovations, it’s the materials that tend to move the price tag more.
So How Does Layout Affect Cost?
Your kitchen’s layout defines the positioning of all your fixtures, furniture, and appliances. It dictates the ebb and flow of your kitchen, making sure that everything you need is placed smartly, efficiently, and conveniently. Typical kitchen layouts include: single wall, galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, peninsula, and island.
The more benchtop area used, the more expensive a kitchen is typically going to be; as it doesn’t simply demand more benchtop material, but also the unit’s cabinetry and hardware.
However, for most home renovations, layout changes alone don’t cause dramatic budget jumps. Many homeowners choose to retain their existing layout, which keeps costs manageable by avoiding plumbing or electrical rework. Even when redesigning the space, the expense of moving services or breaking walls can often be contained compared to what premium materials might cost.
What About Materials?
Here’s where the numbers can really start to climb. Choosing high end materials can make even single wall layouts fetch hefty price tags. The two major areas that can eat up your budget are the benchtop and cabinetry, but smart selection and efficient planning can cut down costs while looking akin to more premium offerings. Elsewhere, the floor, splashback, and accessories can also vary in material price.
Chiefly among renovators’ minds is the kitchen benchtop. Often seen as the centrepiece of one’s kitchen, it comes as no surprise that a hefty amount of the budget is dedicated to the bench. Laminate benchtops are the cheapest and provide excellent value for money. Engineered stone is a popular mid-range choices that may require maintenance. Porcelain and real stone, though undeniably stunning, can easily double or triple the material cost, especially in large kitchens.
Cabinetry also has the potential to quickly drive up costs. Here, materials typically come in the form of the core material and the finish. For the core, MDF strikes a good balance between durability, price, and finish variety. At the high-end, real wood is a pricey yet premium option. For the finish, melamine is affordable with a good range of aesthetics. A shift from white melamine to real wood veneer, for example, can dramatically elevate the look and the cost.
The splashback also has a diverse number of options, with tile being the cheapest yet perhaps the most versatile. Even within tile options, price can still vary drastically depending on material. Glass, stainless steel, and engineered stone are all valid mid-range choices. Porcelain makes another appearance as an expensive choice here. Elsewhere, the little things such as handle materials and cabinet systems can slowly add to the price.
The Verdict
While layout changes certainly impact cost, particularly if you’re knocking down walls or moving plumbing. In most residential kitchen renovations, it’s the materials that make the bigger difference.
A change from laminate to porcelain, or from melamine to real timber veneer, can easily outweigh the expense of reworking your layout. That said, the final cost always depends on your project’s scale, style, and priorities.
The best approach? Start with a clear vision of what matters most, functionality, finishes, or both, and plan your renovation around that balance.
